As a Madrigal, you are required to sing in more than one vocal style. The two main styles we use are shown below with examples.

Neutral Choral Style Guide

Overall character

  • Pure, clear, and transparent tone.

  • Warm rather than overly dramatic.

  • Intimate, refined, and balanced.

Blend

  • No individual voice should dominate.

  • Match vowels, dynamics, and vibrato across the ensemble.

  • Prioritize ensemble color over soloistic singing.

Tone

  • Light, resonant, and focused.

  • Minimal, controlled vibrato (used for expression, not constantly).

  • Bright but never harsh.

Dynamics

  • Wide dynamic range.

  • Crescendos and decrescendos are gradual and unified.

  • Soft singing remains supported and energized.

Diction

  • Extremely clear consonants.

  • Unified vowel shapes.

  • Text is always intelligible without sounding exaggerated.

Phrasing

  • Long, flowing musical lines.

  • Smooth legato.

  • Breathe together whenever possible.

Intonation

  • Exceptionally accurate tuning.

  • Chords are carefully balanced so harmonies "lock in."

  • Listen constantly across the ensemble.

Balance

  • Melody is gently highlighted without overpowering.

  • Inner voices remain audible.

  • Bass provides warmth and foundation; soprano adds brilliance without becoming strident.

Interpretation

  • Elegant and emotionally sincere.

  • Avoid excessive theatricality.

  • Let the text and harmony create the emotional impact.

Modern Vocal Jazz Style Guide

Overall Character

  • Warm, flexible, and rhythmically alive.

  • Sophisticated harmony with conversational musicality.

  • Blend balanced with individual personality.

Tone

  • Rich, speech-like resonance.

  • Natural vibrato that varies with style and phrase.

  • Bright, energized sound without excessive weight.

Blend

  • Match vowels while allowing subtle individual color.

  • Chords should be balanced vertically and rhythmically.

  • Each voice functions as part of the harmonic texture.

Rhythm & Groove

  • Time feel is paramount.

  • Strong internal pulse with relaxed execution.

  • Precise syncopation and swung or straight-eighth feel, depending on style.

  • Lock in with the rhythm section (or create one vocally).

Dynamics

  • Highly nuanced and groove-driven.

  • Dynamic contrast often comes from texture rather than volume.

  • Accents are crisp without becoming aggressive.

Articulation

  • Clean consonants that support rhythm.

  • Mix legato lines with crisp jazz articulations.

  • Use scoops, falls, ghost notes, and accents tastefully.

Intonation

  • Tune complex extensions (7ths, 9ths, 11ths, 13ths) carefully.

  • Bass establishes harmonic foundation.

  • Dissonances should sound intentional and vibrant.

Phrasing

  • Phrase like a jazz instrumentalist or vocalist.

  • Shape around harmony, groove, and lyric.

  • Leave space; don't over-sing.

Expression

  • Confident, relaxed, and communicative.

  • Emphasize storytelling and spontaneity.

  • Maintain stylistic authenticity rather than classical polish.

Improvisation (when appropriate)

  • Scat singing is rhythmically precise and harmonically informed.

  • Solos are expressive while remaining connected to the ensemble.

  • Background vocals support without distracting.

In one sentence: Modern vocal jazz combines impeccable ensemble precision with rhythmic vitality, rich extended harmonies, and an expressive, conversational approach that feels both polished and spontaneous.